This limited release is a blend of Shiraz from Bondar’s two oldest Rayner Vineyard blocks, planted in 1950. Block 24, in the northeast corner of the vineyard, contributes the lion’s share (75%). The dry-grown organically managed vines on this block sit on deep sandy soils flecked with ironstone rocks. The balance of the fruit is sourced from Block 1, situated in the northwestern corner of the vineyard on shallow clay soils over a limestone base. Again, these vines are dry-grown and organically managed.
The 2021 was fermented naturally with about 20% whole bunches before being matured for 18 months in mostly older French hogsheads (just five per cent new oak) before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Ideal growing conditions in 2021—light summer rains, warm days and cool nights—foreshadowed what could be one of the best vintages of the last decade in McLaren Vale, and this much is born out in this year’s Rayner Shiraz.